Cybersecurity (CYBR), Bachelor of Science

At Dunwoody College of Technology, the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity prepares graduates to work in cybersecurity positions at corporate, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. 

The program prepares students to secure, test, and defend information technology systems. Graduates learn how to recognize various forms of cyberattack, stop them, and repair and mitigate any damage caused by attacks. An emphasis is placed on cybersecurity within the context of business priorities and levels of acceptable risk for organizations.

Coursework includes such topics as security for software and networks, cyber warfare, scripting, forensic investigation, data protection laws, and risk mitigation.

Core Curriculum courses enhance and support the technical coursework.

Students complete a capstone project that demonstrates their skills as a cybersecurity professional.

Cybersecurity also welcomes transfer students with credits in computer networking and other IT and Computer Science-related programs.

Credential Earned: BS
Length of Program: 4 years (8 semesters)
Classes Offered: Day on Campus or Evening Online Hybrid
Available Starts: Fall Semester only

By the end of this program, students will be able to: 

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgements in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  • Apply security principles and practices to the environment, hardware, software, and human aspects of a system.
  • Analyze and evaluate systems with respect to maintaining operations in the presence of risks and threats.
General Requirements
MATH1000Algebra & Trigonometry3
MATH1250Boolean Algebra3
MATH2250Statistics3
MATH2830Discrete Math3
Humanities Elective3
Social Science Elective3
Upper Division Communications Elective3
General Electives9
Technical Requirements
CDEF1110Introduction to Cyber Defense2
CLDE1110Introduction to Cloud Services2
CLDE2131Access Control Authentication and PKI4
CNTS1112Introduction to Systems and Networking3
CNTS1213Server Systems & Automation4
CNTS1221Network Systems I4
CNTS2121Network Systems II4
CNTS2132Enterprise Identity & Account Management4
CNTS2225Network Systems III4
CWEB1116Application Design I3
CYBR1211Cyber Laws and Compliance3
CYBR2111Incident Response and Documentation4
CYBR2211Advance Cyber Threat Intelligence4
CYBR3111Network Security & Defense4
CYBR3121Digital Forensics and Incident Response4
CYBR3131Cybersecurity Risk Management4
CYBR3211Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing4
CYBR3221Scripting for Cyber Professionals4
CYBR3232Industrial Control Systems Security3
CYBR4111Business Principles for Cybersecurity3
CYBR4121Incident Response and Recovery in OT4
CYBR4132IoT Security4
CYBR4212Operational Technology Network Security3
CYBR4223Applied Cyber Practition3
CYBR4299Cybersecurity Capstone3
Total Credits118

The following sample academic plan demonstrates how a student's schedule might look on a semester-by-semester basis, including elective courses. Your actual degree plan may differ from this sequence, depending on whether you start in the fall or spring semester, what transfer credits you may have (if any), and which Arts & Sciences courses and electives you take and when you take them.

The sample academic plan is for informational purposes only. To determine your academic plan, please meet with an academic advisor.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CDEF1110 Introduction to Cyber Defense 2
CLDE1110 Introduction to Cloud Services 2
CNTS1112 Introduction to Systems and Networking 3
CWEB1116 Application Design I 3
MATH1250 Boolean Algebra 3
 Credits13
 Total Credits13
Plan of Study Grid
First Year
SpringCredits
CNTS1213 Server Systems & Automation 4
CNTS1221 Network Systems I 4
CYBR1211 Cyber Laws and Compliance 3
MATH1000 Algebra & Trigonometry 3
 Credits14
 Total Credits14
Plan of Study Grid
Second Year
FallCredits
CNTS2121 Network Systems II 4
CNTS2132 Enterprise Identity & Account Management 4
CYBR2111 Incident Response and Documentation 4
Humanities Elective 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits15
Plan of Study Grid
Second Year
SpringCredits
CLDE2131 Access Control Authentication and PKI 4
CNTS2225 Network Systems III 4
CYBR2211 Advance Cyber Threat Intelligence 4
Social Science Elective 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits15
Plan of Study Grid
Third Year
FallCredits
CYBR3111 Network Security & Defense 4
CYBR3121 Digital Forensics and Incident Response 4
CYBR3131 Cybersecurity Risk Management 4
MATH2250 Statistics 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits15
Plan of Study Grid
Third Year
SpringCredits
CYBR3211 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing 4
CYBR3221 Scripting for Cyber Professionals 4
CYBR3232 Industrial Control Systems Security 3
MATH2830 Discrete Math 3
 Credits14
 Total Credits14
Plan of Study Grid
Fourth Year
FallCredits
CYBR4111 Business Principles for Cybersecurity 3
CYBR4121 Incident Response and Recovery in OT 4
CYBR4132 IoT Security 4
Upper Communications Elective 3
 Credits14
 Total Credits14
Plan of Study Grid
Fourth Year
SpringCredits
CYBR4212 Operational Technology Network Security 3
CYBR4223 Applied Cyber Practition 3
CYBR4299 Cybersecurity Capstone 3
 Credits9
 Total Credits9

CDEF1110 | Introduction to Cyber Defense | Lecture/Laboratory (2 Credits)

To provide students with a broad understanding of the field of Cyber defense, inspire curiosity, and set a foundation for more indepth cybersecurity focused courses in the future.

CLDE1110 | Introduction to Cloud Services | Lecture/Laboratory (2 Credits)

Exploration of the technology and terms used in modern cloud services. Portions of this course help to prepare for the Amazon Cloud Practitioner exam.

CLDE2131 | Access Control Authentication and PKI | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Explore the fundamental concepts and practical applications of Access Control, Authentication, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in cybersecurity. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of access control mechanisms, authentication protocols, and the role of PKI in securing digital communications. The course covers access control models and implementation, authentication methods and technologies, PKI components and architecture, digital certificates and certificate authorities, cryptographic algorithms and key management, identity and access management, multi-factor authentication, biometric authentication systems, PKI deployment and management, and security policies and best practices.

CNTS1112 | Introduction to Systems and Networking | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Students will explore the core components of modern computing systems, including hardware architecture, operating systems, and network infrastructure. The course covers key concepts such as CPU architecture, memory management, storage systems, and input/output devices. Students will learn about different operating systems, their functions, and basic system administration tasks. The networking portion of the course introduces network topologies, protocols, and the OSI model, with a focus on TCP/IP. Topics include LAN/WAN technologies, IP addressing, subnetting, routing, and basic network security principles. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs, and practical exercises, students will gain essential skills in configuring and troubleshooting basic computer systems and networks.

CNTS1213 | Server Systems & Automation | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Explore server systems management with automation techniques, focusing on the installation, configuration, and maintenance of server operating systems and their primary services. Students will learn to manage system resources, implement remote administration, and develop real-world scripts using Python and PowerShell. The curriculum emphasizes programming best practices for efficient management of enterprise computer systems and networks, preparing students for the challenges of modern IT environments.

CNTS1221 | Network Systems I | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course delves deeper into the principles and terminology of business data communications, emphasizing their practical applications in modern business environments. It covers intermediate to advanced concepts of client-server networking, including networking hardware, addressing schemes, and essential services. Topics include logical addressing, IP routing, and key network protocols. Students will also gain hands-on experience in installing and configuring client-server networking systems, preparing them for real-world networking challenges.

CNTS2121 | Network Systems II | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course bridges foundational networking concepts with emerging technologies, emphasizing their practical applications in modern business environments. Students will explore advanced client-server networking principles, logical addressing, IP routing, and key network protocols. The course introduces Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and cloud networking fundamentals while developing hands-on skills in configuring networking hardware and essential services.

CNTS2132 | Enterprise Identity & Account Management | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will explore the complexities of managing identities, access rights, and authentication across large-scale enterprise environments. The course covers key IAM concepts including identity lifecycle management, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and privileged access management (PAM). Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard IAM tools and technologies, learning to implement and manage directory services, federation protocols, and identity governance solutions. The course also addresses compliance requirements and best practices for identity security in hybrid cloud environments. Through practical labs and case studies, students will develop skills in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust IAM architectures. Topics include integration with cloud services, mobile device management, and emerging technologies like biometrics and adaptive authentication.

CNTS2225 | Network Systems III | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

The capstone for networking studies, integrating and expanding upon concepts from previous Network Systems courses. Students will tackle complex networking challenges, focusing on enterprise-level network design, implementation, and troubleshooting. The curriculum covers advanced routing and switching protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and MPLS, as well as software-defined networking (SDN) and intent-based networking concepts. Students will gain expertise in network security, including intrusion detection and prevention systems, VPNs, and network access control. The course emphasizes network automation and programmability, introducing tools like Ansible, Python, and RESTful APIs for network management. Students will explore hybrid cloud architectures connectivity solutions. Through hands-on labs and a comprehensive project, students will design and implement a complex network infrastructure, considering scalability, redundancy, and performance optimization.

CWEB1116 | Application Design I | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Students will explore data structures, including relational, hierarchical, and graph database models, while mastering common search algorithms and query structures. The course covers practical database skills using Structured Query Language (SQL). Additionally, students will learn to develop responsive and secure web applications. The curriculum also introduces the Software Development Life Cycle and modern development methodologies, providing a solid foundation for real-world application design and development.

CYBR1211 | Cyber Laws and Compliance | Lecture (3 Credits)

The curriculum covers legal and regulatory frameworks governing cybersecurity, including relevant national and international laws. Students will analyze industry-specific compliance requirements and their impact on organizational security strategies. The course emphasizes understanding ethical considerations, incident reporting obligations, and the evolving landscape of cyber laws.

CYBR2111 | Incident Response and Documentation | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Development of practical skills in cybersecurity incident handling and reporting, covering the incident response life cycle from detection and analysis to containment, eradication, and recovery. Students engage in simulated security incidents, learn industry-standard tools, and develop effective documentation and communication strategies. The course emphasizes real-world applications, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive lab exercises and projects. Participants gain expertise in creating incident response plans, conducting investigations, and producing detailed reports, preparing them for roles in SOC teams and cybersecurity incident management.

CYBR2211 | Advance Cyber Threat Intelligence | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will explore advanced threat intelligence practices, applying the OODA Loop and F3EAD Cycle to real-world scenarios. The class delves into in-depth threat assessments of known cyber criminal groups, teaching analysts to collect and analyze data from various sources, including OSINT. Participants will gain proficiency in utilizing models like the Cyber Kill Chain and MITRE ATT&CK framework for sophisticated campaign analysis and attribution.

CYBR3111 | Network Security & Defense | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will explore advanced concepts and techniques used in securing networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing robust defense mechanisms. The course covers both theoretical foundations and hands-on applications, preparing students for real-world cybersecurity challenges.

CYBR3121 | Digital Forensics and Incident Response | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will delve into the methodologies, tools, and legal considerations involved in digital forensics and incident response. The course combines theoretical foundations with hands-on practical experience, preparing students to handle real-world cybersecurity challenges.

CYBR3131 | Cybersecurity Risk Management | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

The course covers the entire life-cycle of cybersecurity risk management, from identification and assessment to mitigation and continuous monitoring. Students will learn to balance security needs with business objectives, ensuring a holistic approach to organizational cybersecurity.

CYBR3211 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will learn to think like attackers while adhering to ethical standards, developing the expertise to test and strengthen organizational cybersecurity defenses. The course covers both theoretical concepts and practical applications, preparing students for real-world security challenges.

CYBR3221 | Scripting for Cyber Professionals | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

An advanced course that equips students with the skills to harness the power of automation in cybersecurity. This class delves into three key scripting languages: PowerShell for Windows environments, Bash for Unix-based systems, and Python for cross-platform applications. Students will learn to craft efficient scripts that automate routine tasks, conduct thorough system tests, and bolster security measures. The course emphasizes practical applications, guiding students through the process of detecting vulnerabilities and developing scripts to mitigate potential threats.

CYBR3232 | Industrial Control Systems Security | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Students explore Industrial Control System (ICS) architectures and operations, emphasizing IT/OT differences. Covering ICS-specific threats, vulnerabilities, and network analysis techniques. Risk assessment, security controls, and industry best practices are key components. Through practical exercises and case studies, students develop skills to protect interconnected industrial systems. The course prepares students to bridge IT/OT security gaps and safeguard critical infrastructure control systems.

CYBR4111 | Business Principles for Cybersecurity | Lecture (3 Credits)

This course merges essential business concepts with cybersecurity practices. Students will master financial management for security initiatives, analyze revenue streams and their security implications, develop risk assessment and mitigation strategies, and align cybersecurity with business objectives. Gain skills to balance financial considerations with effective risk management in the digital realm.

CYBR4121 | Incident Response and Recovery in OT | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will gain in-depth knowledge of incident response principles tailored to industrial control systems (ICS) and OT settings. The course emphasizes the critical balance between maintaining operational continuity and implementing effective security measures during cyber incidents.

CYBR4132 | IoT Security | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will gain comprehensive knowledge of IoT (Internet of Things) security principles, vulnerabilities, and defense strategies. The course combines theoretical concepts with practical applications, preparing students to tackle real-world IoT security challenges in various industries.

CYBR4212 | Operational Technology Network Security | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Students will gain in-depth knowledge of OT network architectures, security principles, and best practices for protecting industrial control systems from cyber threats. The course emphasizes the critical balance between maintaining operational continuity and implementing effective security measures in OT environments.

CYBR4223 | Applied Cyber Practition | Lecture (3 Credits)

Students will engage in project-based learning, working in teams to identify, analyze, and solve complex cybersecurity challenges. The course emphasizes the practical application of skills learned throughout the program, preparing students for professional roles in the cybersecurity field.

CYBR4299 | Cybersecurity Capstone | Capstone (3 Credits)

Students will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of cybersecurity program outcomes through a hands-on, real-world scenario. Participants will tackle a complex cybersecurity challenge, applying skills across multiple domains, as well as develop and implement strategic solutions to protect digital assets and present their project, articulating the essential skills and methodologies employed by cybersecurity professionals. This capstone experience serves as a bridge between academic learning and professional practice, preparing students for the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

MATH1000 | Algebra & Trigonometry | Lecture (3 Credits)

Real numbers and polynomials, exponents and radicals, fractional equations; proportions and linear equations; trigonometric functions, solutions of triangles, radians, trig functions graphs, vectors, and basic identities.

General Education: Mathematics

MATH1250 | Boolean Algebra | Lecture (3 Credits)

Binary, octal and hexadecimal number systems. Boolean algebra and mapping.

General Education: Mathematics

MATH2250 | Statistics | Lecture (3 Credits)

Descriptive and inferential statistics, frequency distributions, probability theory, and issues related to gathering data; computer spreadsheets facilitate the organization, analysis and display of data.

General Education: Mathematics

MATH2830 | Discrete Math | Lecture (3 Credits)

Examine a set of branches of math that all have in common the feature that they are “discrete” rather than “continuous”.

General Education: Mathematics